Ordinance could mean "something we are required to do" and in that sense, I suppose baptism could be called an ordinance.

However, I think it would be a bad idea for Catholics (especially American Catholics) to use that terminology, because it is used in evangelical contexts to mean "something we do because Jesus told us to do it" which they use to distinguish it from more classical positions on the sacramental graces conferred in baptism (or communion).

_________________Formerly Known as Louis-Marie Flambeau and RaginCajunJoe

"Be of good heart ... you who are children of Mary. Remember that she accepts as her children all those who choose to be so. Rejoice! Why do you fear to be lost, when such a a Mother defends and protects you?" - St. Alphonsus Liguori

This speaker at a Baptist church stated the Lord's Supper is an ordinance. He said the term sacrament is not found in Scripture.

If that is the standard, the word 'ordinance' is not in scripture either. At any rate, the reason why the word 'sacrament' is not in the Bible is that 'sacrament' is a Latin word, and the New Testament is written in Greek. However, the Greek equivalent of the word 'sacrament' is 'mysterion', and that word is used several times in the New Testament, as is the word 'Eucharist'

This is because he is "sola scriptura" and wants the Bible to say everything and only those things which should be believed. I think it would be fun to ask him where it says in the Bible to use Welch's grape juice and crackers for communion. Or where it describes what kind of suit a pastor should wear. Or where it prohibits going to the movies or dancing?

His problem is that he doesn't understand covenant principles at all and therefore does not understand the term "sacramentum" which means "oath" in Latin. We make covenant with Christ Jesus our Lord by taking "oaths" (sacramentums). This is one of the five working principles of a covenant:

1. Transcendence - the greater offers covenant to the lesser

2. Hierarchy - who is in charge here?

3. Ethics - what are the rules of this relationship?

4. Oaths and Sanctions - Vows to keep the ethics and blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience.